Maharashtra Calls for Integrated Beekeeping Policy to Boost Honey Production
Maharashtra needs integrated beekeeping policy, dedicated portal, says Khadi board chief
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Ravindra Sathe, chairman of the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board, advocates for an integrated beekeeping policy and a dedicated registration portal to formalize the state's honey production sector. Maharashtra produced approximately 1.75 lakh metric tonnes of honey last year, yet lacks comprehensive data on beekeepers. The initiative aims to enhance productivity and support local beekeepers.
- 01Maharashtra produced nearly 1.75 lakh metric tonnes of honey last year, with 40% attributed to the Khadi and Village Industries Commission.
- 02The proposed portal will allow all beekeepers to register, similar to a system implemented in Israel.
- 03The state government runs a 10-day training program for beekeeping and offers a 50% subsidy on bee colonies post-training.
- 04Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board purchases organic honey at ₹500 per kg, significantly higher than the Khadi Commission's procurement price of ₹190 to ₹200 per kg.
- 05The 'Madhu Gram' initiative covers 350 villages, providing beneficiaries a 90% subsidy for beekeeping.
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Ravindra Sathe, the chairman of the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board, has emphasized the need for an integrated beekeeping policy and a dedicated registration portal to enhance the state's honey production sector. Maharashtra produced nearly 1.75 lakh metric tonnes of honey last year, with 40% of this output coming from the Khadi and Village Industries Commission. However, the state currently lacks accurate data on the total number of beekeepers and those involved in honey-related activities. To address this, Sathe proposed a registration portal to formalize the sector, drawing inspiration from Israel's successful model.
Sathe highlighted the challenges posed by climatic conditions, particularly during the monsoon, which complicates beekeeping. The Maharashtra government is coordinating with four agricultural universities to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the sector. Additionally, the state offers a 10-day training program for aspiring beekeepers, along with a 50% subsidy on bee colonies after training completion. The 'Madhu Gram' initiative has already reached 350 villages, providing significant financial support to participants. With Maharashtra offering one of the highest honey procurement prices in India, Sathe believes that promoting beekeeping can significantly benefit local farmers and entrepreneurs.
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The proposed policy and registration portal aim to formalize the beekeeping sector, potentially increasing honey production and providing economic benefits to local farmers.
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